Challenges
James Clay ( ALT Learning Technologist of the Year 2009)
One of the strengths of the conference is the level of debate and discussion that takes place, much more than takes place at a traditional conference.
Due to the textual and asynchronous nature of the discussion it is possible to engage in the conversation either immediately or after a period of reflection over the two days of discussion for each of the themes. It’s a real opportunity to take the time to debate the issues that arise out of the presentation with fellow practitioners and experts.
You can challenge the experts as well as yourself and other practitioners. I do think that this is one of the real advantages of the online conference. In many ways it can be easier to engage with the presenters than it would be at a physical conference. You know the conference where the chair asks, 'are there any questions?' and it can be intimating to put your hand up. Even if you do, there are usually others and there is very little time for lots of questions.
Another advantage of the online conference is that if you do have a question for the presenter, however you want to check something first, you can. Before you ask your question, you can go back and read that paper you referenced last year, check with a colleagure via email that the evidence for the study is online, etc... try doing that in the 'few minutes for questions' you get at a physical conference.
